Plate Mechanics all messed up!

[ERW27]

I recently tried changing some of my plate mechanics to look more professional and had my wife videotape me. OMG I am a mess. two major issues I need some advise in.

 

1) My knees are over my feet. At the end of the games my knees are KILLING me. I know proper way to stand (sitting in a chair), and when not in the middle of a game do it perfectly ever time. Come game time I throw that right out the window. Is there a tip anyone has to help me notice as I set up for the pitch the I am in right position or wrong and need to fix it.

 I think my issue is I'm focused on pitch comming up/watching for balks etc... that I am being lazy. Its very fustrating since I know what is right but can't put that knowledge onto the field.

 

2) I have worked on staying down between pitches (hands on knees) and then drop to lock in a TOP. I used to walk into every pitch, but was told this looks more professional. Well I worked this weekend and even this morning my wrists are killing me from being hands on knees so much. Same thing any tips here?

 

I appreciate anything you guys can offer.

[Replacematt]

1) Any screencaps?

2) Don't rest a significant amount of weight on your arms. They're there for stability, not to bear your upper body's weight. Lean just enough on them to keep your body still.

[noumpere]

1. You also don't need to stay down between pitches.  There's no need to get anywhere close to "ready" until the catcher is at least giving his signs.

[ricka56]

Hard to tell what to suggest without seeing it. Upload some of the video to you-tube and post the link...then you'll get lots of "advice".  

[grayhawk]

I would think practicing in front of a mirror would be helpful.  Find the stance that you like, and practice it.  Lots of repetition leads to muscle memory.

[maineump]

I work the hands on knees and I feel better after games than I did using other stances.

 

Tricks I use:

- relax behind catcher until he gives the sign, I step in during the sign

- when I get into position it is - in the slot (no matter where the catcher goes) - rest slightly on knees until pitcher starts his motion. After he goes into his motion I bend slightly at the knees , my thumbs go under he top of my shin pads and my hands relax on the sides of my knees. My feet and shoulders are square to the pitcher.

 

I then watch the pitch, call the pitch, take 1 step back, relax, repeat

 

This stance takes the pressure off my lower back, arms and wrists.

[KLAH316]

I work the hands on knees and I feel better after games than I did using other stances.

 

Tricks I use:

- relax behind catcher until he gives the sign, I step in during the sign

- when I get into position it is - in the slot (no matter where the catcher goes) - rest slightly on knees until pitcher starts his motion. After he goes into his motion I bend slightly at the knees , my thumbs go under he top of my shin pads and my hands relax on the sides of my knees. My feet and shoulders are square to the pitcher.

 

I then watch the pitch, call the pitch, take 1 step back, relax, repeat

 

This stance takes the pressure off my lower back, arms and wrists.

I'm alot like this too.... Has greatly reduced my back pain issues.

As F1 is coming set, I lock into place.

[umpstu]

I work hands on knees and don't go to that position until the pitcher actually commits to pitch. You don't need to be set and then have the catcher shift at the last second.